about the pediatric massage therapy class

The pediatric massage class begins with a discussion of the growth and development of children, how childhood events such as birth and injuries can affect the child's body, and how these events can initiate musculoskeletal pain and restriction later in life. Students then learn how to engage and hold children's interest during massage sessions, how to perform a basic pediatric massage routine and finally, how to tailor it to individual children. Pediatric Massage Therapy by Marybetts Sinclair is the required text for this class, and students will use it during class and later as a resource for massaging children who are stressed, injured, have aches and pains, or have disabilities. Students need to bring one or more children (ages 3-14) to class on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2-4PM, however, they do not have to be the same children both afternoons. Sunday morning ( 10:30-1PM) we open the class to children from the community, especially children with disabilities, and their parents. There, students will take the child’s medical history, give massage, and teach simple strokes to parents.

14 contact hours

“ Marybetts is a hugely knowledgeable and warm individual.”

“The most common cause of abdominal pain in adults and children alike is stress. It is only natural for us to react to the environment in which we live. A bad day, the loss of a pet, or an argument with a friend would create stress in all of us. It is a common misconception that children’s feelings are not as complex and sensitive as adults. Children become just as angry, anxious, and depressed as we do.”-Robert Pantell, M.D.

Marybetts Sinclair is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a continuing education provider since 2007, provider #450519-07.